No Pandering to This Mom

Resisting the instinct to define herself by her relationships, and better yet, eschewing the intellectually lazy habit of identity politics, Mrs. Fallin ought to have simply stated why Oklahomans would be better off if she is governor. She seeks smaller state government, a pro-business climate, school choice and strong enforcement of immigration laws, to name just a few reasons.

If I were voting in Oklahoma, I'd absolutely cast my ballot for Mary Fallin, but not because she's a mother.

I'd do so because of her understanding of the role of government that is best for all Oklahomans, whether or not they are married with children.

I'd do so not out of my own self-interested commonality with her, but out of my shared vision of a state that reflects my belief in liberty, personal freedom and responsible citizenship.

It's time politicians stop carving us into bite-sized chunks of self-interested voters, pitting the anxiety of one group against the fears of another.

On Election Day, we're much more than black or white, male or female, married, unmarried, gay, straight, Christian, Jew, parents or childless.

We're Americans who care about the strength and stability of the greatest nation on earth, and we're looking for leaders who define themselves by the principles that made us so.